A night out in 1910 and 1980
1910
The ‘Belle Epoque’ (the beautiful time), also known as the ‘Edwardian period’ in Great Britain and the ‘Gilded Age’ in the United States, is the period that roughly began after the end of the Franco-Prussian war and lasted until the outbreak of the First World War. It is a period characterized by optimism, peace, economic prosperity, technological, scientific and cultural innovations and flourishing (visual) arts. The jewellery from this period harked back in design to the Louis XVI style at the end of the eighteenth century; symmetry, bows, garlands and flower and leaf motifs are often seen. The jewelry was mainly made of platinum and set with white stones; diamonds and pearls. The necklace (lot number 100) is a good example of this, a symmetrical platinum and gold pendant with curl motifs, set with old brilliant-cut diamonds and impressive natural pearls.
1980
The German jewellery company Georg Lauer originated as a producer of luxury stationery and key rings in Pforzheim. After his death, the company was taken over by his sons and expanded with luxury items including watches and jewellery. From the 1950s, under the leadership of the grandchildren, the brand focused solely on the production of luxury high-quality jewelry, for which it is still known today. The necklace by Georg Lauer that we offer (lot number 200) is a good example of this. The necklace in the shape of a zipper is a tribute to the iconic ‘Zip’ necklace by the French jewellery house Van Cleef & Arpels from 1950. The necklace has no clasp but is worn over the head. Depending on her own taste, the wearer can zip the necklace closed to a desired length with the diamond-studded clasp.
